The IC Catholic Prep varsity basketball team from Elmhurst, IL, will host a non-conference game against Chicago Mt. Carmel from Chicago, IL, on Friday, December 20, at 7:00 PM.

IC Catholic Prep vs Chicago Mt. Carmel Game Info:

What: Illinois High School Basketball
Who: IC Catholic Prep (IL) vs Chicago Mt. Carmel (IL)
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Immaculate Conception High School
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: IC Catholic Prep vs Chicago Mt. Carmel

As the 2024-2025 basketball season continues to unfold, two Illinois high school teams, Chicago Mt. Carmel and IC Catholic Prep, are making waves with impressive records and exciting play. Both teams share a 7-1 record overall, but their statistics and performance against common opponents reveal intriguing insights into their strengths and styles of play.

Team Overview

Chicago Mt. Carmel (24-25) has proven to be a powerhouse with a robust 7-1 overall record, including an undefeated 5-0 record in neutral-site games. They have shown strength across all quarters, with their scoring consistently rising as the game progresses. Their points per game (PPG) average stands at 64.5, and they rely on standout performances from key players like Cameron Thomas, who leads the team with 19.1 points per game.

IC Catholic Prep (24-25), also at 7-1, has an equally impressive record, especially within their conference, where they boast a perfect 3-0 mark. The team is known for its balanced scoring distribution, averaging 62.9 PPG. Their star player, though not officially listed, has helped propel the team to victory, contributing significantly on both offense and defense.

Statistical Breakdown

Both teams display impressive overall statistics, with notable differences in their offensive and defensive performances:

• Points Per Game: Chicago Mt. Carmel averages 64.5 points per game, edging out IC Catholic Prep, who averages 62.9.
• Rebounds and Assists: Mt. Carmel leads in rebounds with 27.3 per game, while IC Catholic Prep boasts 24.5. Both teams excel at distributing the ball, with Mt. Carmel averaging 9.9 assists per game and IC Catholic Prep at 9.1.
• Defense: When it comes to steals, Mt. Carmel edges IC Catholic Prep with 9.5 steals per game, compared to Prep’s 8.5. Both teams have solid defensive stats, contributing to their strong season performances.

Key Players

For Chicago Mt. Carmel, the leadership of Cameron Thomas is undeniable. With 19.1 PPG, he is the focal point of their offense. His ability to score consistently, especially in the later stages of games, gives Mt. Carmel the edge in close matches. Additionally, Grant Best’s 8.4 rebounds per game and 4.0 steals per game solidify his role as a key defensive player.

On the other hand, IC Catholic Prep has shown a balanced team approach, although standout players are harder to pinpoint. Nevertheless, their team plays with synergy, leveraging their 3-0 record in neutral-site games to assert their dominance. Their defense, coupled with efficient offensive execution, is a key component of their success.

Common Opponents

Both teams share several common opponents this season, which gives a closer look at how they stack up against similar competition:

• Providence Catholic: Mt. Carmel defeated Providence Catholic 68-57 on December 10, 2024, while IC Catholic Prep faces them on January 10, 2025.
• Marmion: Mt. Carmel has already played Marmion on January 21, while IC Catholic Prep faced them in a home victory on December 6, 2024.
• Saint Ignatius College Prep, Montini Catholic, and DePaul College Prep are among the other teams both will face in upcoming games.

Head-to-Head Comparison

When comparing the overall records and performances against common opponents, both teams have demonstrated resilience. Mt. Carmel, with a slightly higher PPG and stronger defensive numbers, appears to have a more potent offensive lineup. However, IC Catholic Prep’s consistency across the board—especially in neutral-site games—cannot be overlooked.

Conclusion

As both teams continue to dominate their schedules, the 2024-2025 season promises to be an exciting one. Whether it’s Chicago Mt. Carmel’s explosive offensive firepower or IC Catholic Prep’s well-rounded team play, fans can expect thrilling matchups ahead. With several key games against common opponents, the true test of each team’s strength and potential will come in the weeks to come. One thing is clear: these two teams are poised for an unforgettable season.